Unveiling the Life and Legacy of Helen van der Ben: From Holocaust Survivor to Renowned Advocate for Children’s Rights
Helen van der Ben was a Holocaust survivor who dedicated her life to improving the lives of children around the world. She was born in Amsterdam in 1923, and her family was among the 107,000 Dutch Jews who were sent to concentration camps during World War II. Although her parents and brother did not survive, Helen managed to escape and later emigrated to the United States.
Despite the trauma she experienced, Helen was determined to make the world a better place. She became a renowned advocate for children’s rights and worked tirelessly to improve their lives. In this blog post, we will explore different aspects of her life and legacy, from her childhood experiences to her advocacy work.
Early Life and Experiences During the Holocaust
Helen van der Ben was born into a Jewish family in Amsterdam in 1923. Her father was a successful businessman, and the family lived comfortably until the Nazi invasion in 1940. After the invasion, the family went into hiding, but they were eventually discovered and sent to concentration camps. Helen’s parents and brother did not survive, but Helen managed to escape and was rescued by the Dutch underground.
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Surviving and Starting a New Life in the United States
After the war, Helen emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. Despite the trauma she had experienced, she was determined to create a new life for herself. She learned English and worked as a secretary, but she never forgot the suffering she had witnessed during the war.
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Becoming an Advocate for Children’s Rights
In the 1950s, Helen became involved in community groups and discovered a passion for helping children. She joined the Children’s Defense Fund and traveled around the world, advocating for children’s rights and working to improve their living conditions. She also helped to establish the International Youth Foundation, which provides support and opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
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Legacy and Impact
Helen van der Ben’s legacy is one of compassion, courage, and dedication. She devoted her life to helping others and was a fierce advocate for children’s rights. Her work has touched countless lives, and her legacy continues through the organizations she helped to establish and the people she inspired.
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The Importance of Advocacy for Children’s Rights
Helen van der Ben’s advocacy work for children’s rights is more important now than ever. Millions of children around the world are living in poverty, facing violence and exploitation, and lacking access to education and healthcare. Helen’s life and work remind us that we all have a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable.
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Ways to Support Children’s Rights
There are many ways we can all support children’s rights, from donating to organizations that work to improve their lives to volunteering in our local communities. We can also advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of children and support the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines the basic rights of all children.
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Inspiring Quotes from Helen van der Ben
Helen van der Ben’s words continue to inspire us today. Some of her most memorable quotes include:
– “We all have in us the capacity to do something. We all have the capacity to make the world a better place, one child at a time.”
– “Every child has a right to be protected, to be loved, and to be given the opportunities to reach their full potential.”
– “No child should ever have to suffer. It is our responsibility as adults to make sure they don’t.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Helen van der Ben?
A: Helen van der Ben was a Holocaust survivor and renowned advocate for children’s rights.
Q: What organizations did Helen van der Ben help to establish?
A: Helen van der Ben helped to establish the Children’s Defense Fund and the International Youth Foundation.
Q: What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child?
A: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines the basic rights of all children.
Q: How can I support children’s rights?
A: There are many ways to support children’s rights, including donating to organizations that work to improve their lives and advocating for policies that prioritize their well-being.
Q: What is Helen van der Ben’s legacy?
A: Helen van der Ben’s legacy is one of compassion, courage, and dedication. She devoted her life to helping others and was a fierce advocate for children’s rights.